The American wine industry is as old as the nation itself and few wine lovers realize that over 5,500 wineries are located throughout the United States. Statistically, the United States yields over 660 million gallons of wine each year and ranks fourth in worldwide wine production. Additionally, the wine industry creates numerous jobs in agriculture, production, and tourism. While vineyards and wineries exist in all 50 states, most are clustered in five geographical regions.
California
The top wine-producing region in the United States is the West Coast. According to the National Association of American Wineries, California alone yields 90% of all American wines and provides 95% of all wine exported from the United States. Napa and Sonoma counties are the most popular wine tasting areas of the state and boast of many fine wines and wineries. Additionally, the beauty of the foothills of the Sierra Mountain Range draws many tourists to the local wine tours. Up the coast, Washington and Oregon have hundreds of wineries and thousands of acres of vineyard as well.
New York
In the northeast, New York and its surrounding states make up the second top wine-producing region in the United States. Growing dramatically in last thirty years, New York ranks third in terms of U.S. production. Popular vineyards and wineries lie around Lake Erie, Long Island, the Hudson River, and the Finger Lakes area. Most are small family-run businesses. In Virginia, wine growing dates back to the 1600s. Thomas Jefferson was one of the most famous vine growers in this area, boasting an extensive wine collection. Other wine-producing states in the area include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
South
Texas and New Mexico make up the third top wine-producing area of the United States. Texas alone ranks fifth in production. The earliest vineyards are traced to the Spanish missionaries of the 1700s. The Texas High Plains and the upper elevations of New Mexico yield the best grapes in the area.
Lakes Region
The Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Ohio, and northern New York, ranks fourth in wine production. Michigan is the fourth largest grape growing state, but only a tenth of that is turned into table wine. Ohio’s wine industry is enjoying resurgence in recent years.
Midwest
Finally, the Midwestern region, consisting of Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, is one of the fastest growing wine-producing regions in the country. In Illinois, the number of wineries doubled in the years since the 1990s. Missouri is rebuilding its wine industry as well. Settled largely by German immigrants, Missouri’s wineries retain a strong German influence in its family owned operations.
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